HKUST Develops New Multifunctional Hydrogel for Odor and Microbial Control in Hong Kong’s Drainage and Flushing Systems
Developed by a research team led by Prof. King-Lun YEUNG, the multifunctional hydrogel can be tailored to treat different odor problems and microbial contaminations in harsh environment in an efficient and safe manner.
Prof. Yeung said the MalOdor-Control (MOC) hydrogel provides an inexpensive but effective solution to odor problems. It is also safe, eco-friendly, sustainable and could complement and enhance traditional practices. Apart from killing the odor-causing microorganisms and inhibiting their ability to generate odorous gases, MOC hydrogel can reduce corrosion to the pipes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in drainage as shown by studies. Moreover, the hydrogel will decompose into sand upon release of disinfectants so it will not cause any harm to the environment.
Besides recognition by the local government, the MOC hydrogel has also won silver medal at the 2022 Special Edition of the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2019. Its graduates were ranked 16th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global University Employability Survey 2018.